Sarah Troupe is the marketing and development manager at the Ronald McDonald House on the Southbank.
HOW DID SHE COME TO WORK AT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE?
Troupe was a volunteer at the house. A friend invited her to join the Discovery Board, a board of volunteers under age 35. While volunteering, a position opened, she applied and got the job.
WHAT DID SHE DO AS A VOLUNTEER?
Troupe worked with the Discovery Board. She also helped cook the evening meals for about a year before she became employed full-time.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
She handles fundraising, communication and the publicity for events and activities that go on at the house
HER HOME TOWN?
Troupe grew up in Jacksonville. After graduating from Bishop Kenny High School, she went to college, traveled extensively and returned home soon after.
WHAT IS HER FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?
There are two things she enjoys about working at the house. She just can’t choose between the two. The first is seeing families and children who come back just to visit. “Personally, it is really great to see a child doing well after they came to stay at the house (for medical reasons). Secondly, Troupe enjoys the Children’s Way 5K Run/Walk. This event is “a fun-filled morning for serious to casual runners/walkers, followed by a kid’s run and family festival to support the new Ronald McDonald House in Jacksonville, a home away from home for the families of critically ill and injured children.” In 2001, the event raised over $40,000 for the programs at the house. “It’s a fun family event that everyone really feels good about.”
WHAT IS THE MOST FRUSTRATING PART OF HER JOB?
“What’s frustrating for me is that I feel like I can never fully thank everyone who helps the Ronald McDonald House.” She hopes that everyone who helps out with the house knows how much they are appreciated.
EDUCATION
Troupe received a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Wake Forest University. She later attended the University of North Florida where she received a master’s degree in public administration.
HOBBIES
She is a big fan of being outdoors and enjoys running to keep in shape. She also enjoys reading a good book.
FAMILY
Troupe met her husband Kevin while attending Wake Forest. They are also expecting their first child, a girl, in June. “We haven’t decided on a name yet. We’re both very opinionated on what the name should be.”
HER FAVORITE THINGS?
“The Wizard of Oz” is her favorite movie “because it reminds me that when you look for your heart’s desire, you only have to look in your backyard and that is what the movie is about to me.” Troupe has traveled to India, Africa and Europe. When it came to where she really wanted to be, she came home to Jacksonville.
— by Tammy Taylor